Library

"Elizabeth Black,"she replied and out stretched her arm to shake her hand.

She paused and hesitantly added,"My lady, I hope I am not too forward but...are you a relative of mine? It's you look so...familiar."

I had a comfortable and safe journey back to England. On the way home my thoughts were filled with the words that Sir Thomas had told me before we were interrupted. I had no time to think about anything else. I had arrange to meet him here but under the false pretence that we were enemies. Although we were not as he had informed me with a great secret. I walked through the long shelves of books picking one up, opening it with my back against the shelf. A simple pretence to make it look like I was reading.

Thomas was told that lady Katherina Prue was waiting for him in the Library. As he entered, he came closer and smiled warmly

Lady Cranmer..I'm delighted to see you. We had a very good time together in Scotland. And thank you for meeting me here. I love books. I shall give a copy of my "Uthopia" as gift..

He kissed her hand gently

Ohh! Talking about gifts..I never forgot what I promised you in Scotland. And I always keep my promises. Boy, come in..

He ordered to a servant to enter. The boy joined the library bringing a little dog in his arms. Thomas smiled

Just..a little thought. Hope you like it..

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I was glad to see Thomas in such high spirits. That we did and I was hoping we could continue our conversation. I had never read his works of literary before. But the work of his book Uthopia was known so I graciously smiled. I would love to read such works of yours. I did hear that you had started a book about King Richard III how is that coming along. As the servant walked in I immediately fell in love with this fury creature. He is perfect and as white as snow. I gladly took my new dog of the servant trying to conjure a name up for him.

Thomas smiled seeing that she liked his gift. He dismissed the servant and looked at her

I'm happy you like it, my lady. I'm sure you will take care of this little, lovely creature with much love. Oh...yes. You mean my treaty about Richard III. It's almost finished. I guess...I'll finish it soon, since I'll have more free time, since now..

He added with a weak smile, referring to his resignation as Chancellor

I am glad to hear that it is nearly finished. I won't hesitate in saying are you sure that you are making the right decision? I asked concerned. This was a big move to make maybe the king would refuse his dismissal. I shall be sad not to see you at court. I don't know that many people hear apart from Geoffrey.

Thomas tried to smile and shrugged a bit

I have no choice, my lady. I love the King. And I will be his devoted subject until my dying day. But..I can't serve him as Chancellor anymore, accepting his new religious politic. Ohh...I'm sorry. I shuldn't even talk with you about that. Because of..your husband. But whatever happens, I promise I shall remain your friend. You are..much more better than I thought..

He admitted with a warm smile, this time. His life was going to change, and he needed more friends around him

Thomas nodded

Indeed, my lady. My wife and my daughter are very worried about my decision. I served loyalty the King for years. But...I think I deserve some rest. I'll spend time with my family and I'll pray for my King every day. Maybe..I shall leave court. But I'm not sure about that, yet..

He said smiling weakly. He hoped that in that case they could still keep in contact with each other

Thomas shrugged smiling weakly

Usually I live in the country. Among nature and my animals. But I'll surely write to you. Hope you'll come to visit me, sometimes..

He said with a warmer and hopeful smile, this time

Thomas nodded again

Yes...family is my support right now. Beside God, of course. I really thank you for your friendship and comprhension, lady Katherina. This means a lot to me. And..I'll always remember you in my prayers..

He said smiling friendly

Thomas laughed silently. He caressed the little dog in his arms

Oh well..I'm not good in choosing pet's names, my lady. But...who told you that it's a...man?

He asked with a gentle smile on his lips and looking meaningfully at her

Thomas smiled indulgently, placing the soft pet into her arms slowly

Don't wory, my lady. That's not easy to find out pets's sex if you're not an expert. In any case...you're holding a she dog. So I think you will be more good than me in finding a suitable name for her..

He said caressing it and looking at her face. Judging by her blushing, he had to admit that she was really a nice and virtous girl, in spite of she was already married

Thomas smiled and caressed her dog

Sabine..I like it. I'm sure you'll take perfectly care of her. Oh and don't worry. Even if I'll leave court..we'll continue to keep in touch, lady Katherina. And of course I'll be back to celebrate Christmas..

He added, noticing a bit of sadness into her eyes

Thomas smiled, nodding after her words

You're right. Yes..we're now friends. And I just hope that your husband is not bothered by that. I would be..bery sorry for creating drama in your marriage. My wife is fine, Katherina, thank you. She is a carying and intelligent woman. I love her deeply, and she is the ideal companion of my life..

He took a breath with an amused smile

Just..I think she deserves a pet too. You know, I'm giving pets to half court and she could be jealous..

Thomas couldn't avoid giggling

Yes...she does. But she prefers cats most. I don't know why..but in the country I have a little farmer. I grew up among animals since I was a kid. Hope your husband won't be bothered if you'll visit me, sometimes..

He said showing her a friendly smile

Thomas smiled, a bit amused by her words

Bavaria must be a nice place...but I think I'll stay in England. You know...especially for my children. And wherever I'll be...you'll be very welcome, Katherina. It would be a true pleasure for me and my family..

He said truly smiling at her